Chico council votes to let chief implement e-bike rules, sets 15 mph target for lower-park loops
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Summary
Council approved a motion 7-0 directing the police chief to implement recommendations to reduce speeds in lower Bidwell Park to 15 mph, increase signage and ranger enforcement, and use education-first enforcement with a grace period.
The Chico City Council voted unanimously to let the police chief implement a package of e-bike safety measures for Bidwell Park after a staff presentation and public comment on safety, enforcement and infrastructure.
Chief (introduced in staff materials as Billy Aldrich and referred to in the meeting transcript as Chief Aldridge) told the council that national e-bike accidents have increased and recommended a consistent 15 mph speed limit in high-pedestrian-use lower-park loops such as Peterson Memorial and South Park Drive. "One of the biggest things to support the need for this proposed change was the fact that we've had in the nation over a 300% increase in accidents involving ebikes," the chief said. He recommended signage, ranger training on radar/lidar enforcement, an education-first enforcement posture with a suggested two-week grace period for outreach, and towing authority for bikes that exceed manufacturer parameters with CHP safety-course requirements to retrieve towed bikes.
Council members discussed scope — whether the rule should apply to all paved loops, separated bike paths, or unpaved mountain-bike trails in Upper Park. Assistant City Manager Eric clarified that Chapter 12 of the municipal code already prohibits motorized apparatus on Upper Park trails; the chief and council discussed focusing initial enforcement on lower-park paved loops where pedestrian use is highest.
Public commenters representing bike advocacy, the Bidwell Park commission and university transportation staff supported a uniform lower-park speed limit and suggested traffic-calming measures such as rumble strips and speed tables. Priya Tuvel of Chicovelo urged the council to address the presence of high-speed "eMotos" in upper-park dirt trails; the Bidwell Park commissioner noted the commission had already recommended a 15 mph lower-park limit in 2022.
Councilmember Van Overbeck moved to authorize the chief to implement his recommendations; Councilmember Holly seconded. The motion passed 7-0. Council asked staff to return with broader citywide policy options at a later date and to coordinate outreach and education before enforcement.
Provenance: Chief's presentation began at the start of Item 5.3 and council action concludes with the recorded vote of "Carries 7 0."
